Beginning of the End - Ellen G. White

the court of the king and had seen the responsibilities of royalty. He
had understood some of the mysteries in the character of Israel's first
king. He knew that in their private life the household of Saul were
far from happy. These things troubled his thoughts, but he turned to
his harp and brought out music that elevated his mind to the Author
of everything good, and the dark clouds that seemed to shadow the
future disappeared.
David's Special Educator
As Moses was trained for his work, so the Lord was fitting the
son of Jesse to become the guide of His chosen people. Animal
predators lurked in the lonely hills and wild ravines where David
wandered with his flocks. Frequently lions or bears, fierce with
hunger, came to attack the flocks. David was armed only with his
sling and shepherd's staff, yet he protected his flock courageously.
Describing these encounters later, he said: "When a lion or bear
came and took a lamb out of the flock, I went out after it and struck
it, and delivered the lamb from its mouth; and when it arose against
me, I caught it by its beard, and struck and killed it." His experience
developed his courage, fortitude, and faith.
When Israel declared war against the Philistines, three of
Jesse's sons joined the army under Saul, but David stayed at home.
After a time, however, he went to visit the camp. His father gave
him a message and a gift for his older brothers. But Jesse did not
know that the armies of Israel were in danger, and that an angel had
directed David to save his people.
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